Right off the bat, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 looks like nothing else on the road. It may be related to the Kia EV9, but they look nothing alike, inside or out. This is the crown-jewel of the Hyundai lineup, and it shows.
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IONIQ9 features a sci-fi-inspired design
Kia’s EV9 is blocky and angular with lines that make it recognizable as an SUV. On the other hand, the Hyundai IONIQ 9 is futuristic – with pixelated design cues throughout. That’s especially noticeable in the front and rear exterior sections.
Hyundai calls the exterior styling its “Aerosthetic” design. There are very few gaps. Even the front lower fascia has moving air inlets that are difficult to see when closed. Its slippery shape gives it a drag coefficient of 0.259 Cd.
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Part of that low drag is the tapering rear design (think about boat tails, and you’re in line with their language) and teardrop silhouette. It’s like nothing else out there. Still, there are some compromises this shape has created.
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The 19 and 21-inch wheels look a bit small and out of place in this sleek design. They are not terrible, but they look somewhat common, and not as special as the rest of the exterior design. It could be me.
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Take a close look at the fender coverings. Some called this design element “eyebrows,” but it actually serves a purpose. In some trims, the squared off look hides the tightly curved wheel well. This squared section is supposed to make it look more rugged.
The rear hatch is small, and the cargo entry area is tiny. Once you go further, it opens up, but some may find the lift-over height problematic as well. According to Hyundai, cargo behind the second row is rated at 908-liters, or about 32 cu-ft. Cargo space behind the third row is a minuscule 338-liters, or about 12 cu-ft. A small cargo area under the hood offers space for a portable charger or a case of soda.
Hyundai
The battery is massive, so is the (projected) range
The 110.3 kWh battery underpins the E-GMP platform, giving the IONIQ 9 350 kW fast charging capability. They say that it can charge from 10 to 80 percent in 24 minutes. That’s under “optimal conditions.”
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Official EPA numbers have yet to be released; however, overseas, Hyundai states that its WLTP range is 620-km, about 385-miles. Over here, the EPA estimates a maximum range of 335-miles. They have long range versions of the rear-drive (RWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions.
Hyundai
Long range RWD versions come with a 160 kW rear motor, long range AWD models add a 70 kW motor up front. Performance models get standard AWD. The Performance version pulls that front 70 kW motor, and adds the same 160 kW motor placed in the rear.
According to Hyundai: this setup allows (long range) RWD models to go from 0-60 mph in (approximately) 9.4-seconds. The AWD long range version is expected to be around 6.7-seconds. Finally, the AWD Performance model is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in about 5.2 seconds.
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I say the interior is “Blade Runner-like” cool – but I’m a geek
There is a ton to unpack regarding the interior of the Hyundai IONIQ 9. It looks like a total concept vehicle, but a majority of its design is heading to production. That includes the wavy door panels, curved digital display and abundant pixel design easter eggs.
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The designers were interested in a relaxing, lounge-like aesthetic. This is one of the few times that I think they nailed it. The feel is slick, futuristic and luxurious. If they ever build a Genesis off this huge E-GMP platform, I’m curious how they would surpass this design.
Hyundai
According to Hyundai: many of the interior materials were repurposed. That is to say, they used a lot of recycled materials in the interior. It’s hard to tell exactly what, as everything felt premium. Terms like “Eco Process leather,” “Bio Paint,” and “Recycled PET fabric” (among other terms) abound. Heck, some paint was made using recycled tires!
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Two 12-inch displays sit in a curved configuration, in front of the driver. These screens give the driver a cockpit-like POV. Among all of the modern tech (with AI, over the air updates, e-ASD) you get eight speakers standard. The option is a 14-speaker, 5.1-channel BOSE system.
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Things North America gets – and will not get
Towing ratings hover at 5,000-lbs max for U.S. models, it appears to be a bit higher for overseas’ models. No word on tongue weight, but it’s fair to assume it will be 500-lbs or less. In addition, there is no word on how towing will affect range.
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I’m a big guy (6’1” 265-lbs) yet I fit in the third row, fairly comfortably. Obviously, the front and second rows are even more comfortable. The thing is, Hyundai’s nifty swivel, relaxing seats don’t appear to be coming here.
Overseas’ markets will also get a mirror-less option for their IONIQ 9. That is to say, they will have monitors hooked up to cameras, substituting for side mirrors. We won’t get that either. Fortunately, we get the sliding (multi-use) center console.
Hyundai
Final thoughts
Even though the wheelbase is a massive 122-inches, the overall length is about the same as the Hyundai Palisade. They have completely different identities, powertrains and capabilities. Yet, neither are truly built for off-road. Sure, they are called “SUVs,” but they are utilitarian people carries – first.
Truly, what makes the Hyundai IONIQ 9 so special is its external and internal design. It dances on the edge of form versus function. Over a dozen exterior and interior color choices, and includes some two-tone mixes.
Hyundai says the IONIQ 9 will launch in Korea and the United States in early 2025. Other markets will get access shortly thereafter. Pricing hasn’t been released, but (for reference) the Kia EV9 starts at about $57,000 and peaks at about $80,000.
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